Luring incidents reported in Nassau County

Police on Long Island are beefing up patrols after several attempted lurings were reported in two Nassau County communities.

Residents in Merrick and Bellmore are on edge after the incidents, which involved middle school students being approached by a man in a car and on foot.

The first incident happened on April 10 on Grand Avenue, when a man in a car waved over an eighth-grade student to his car. The student ran home.

The second incident was reported on Frasier and Williams streets in North Merrick. Three children said they were walking home from school when they were approached by a man driving a gray sedan who attempted to talk to them. They also ran.

The latest incident took place Friday morning, at the corner of Smith Street and Merrick Avenue. Authorities say a man speaking Spanish approached an eighth grader and tried to grab his arm. The student ran away.

Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about strangers and prevent them from walking alone as often as possible.